"... That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:17.
Opportunities for You!
"As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."(1 Peter 4:l0).
Many believers are interested to do something for the Lord yet they do not know how or in what way they can be useful to the Master. Perhaps, this may be your dilemma too. So then, here are nine avenues of christian service in which experienced,mature and stable disciples can make a most significant contribution. They're listed briefly as follows.
1. An Investment (NT Model- Barnabas): Your greatest resource is your maturity. Why not invest your spiritual knowledge and understanding in the younger christians ? (2Ti.2:2). Note the 'encouragement' ministry of Barnabas in Acts. 9:26,27;11:22-24;15:38. So pray and learn to identify meaningfully with those you can encourage and take them under your wing for counselling, fellowship and encouragement.
2.A PRAYER MINISTRY (N.T.Model-Epaphras): Among the four levels of prayer mentioned in 1 Timothy 2:1, the deepest one is intercession. The intercessor accepts responsibility for the spiritual welfare of another. Epaphras agonised in prayer for Colossian believers. Co1.4:12. You can intercede for people with obvious spiritual needs in your church,for leaders/missionaries etc.
3. A Home Ministry (N.T. Model-AQuila & Priscilla): The N.T. describes how homes were used for the evangelistic meetings, spiritual instruction, hospitality for christian workers, prayer meetings,personal counselling and church services. Have you realized how strategic your home could be for the kingdom of God ? Rom 16:3,4.
4.A SUPPORTING MINISTRY (N.T.Model-The Philippians): As you read the scriptural teaching on giving(2Cor.9:6-14)ask God to show you where your contribution can be most productive for the extension of God's Kingdom. Give special attention to those who are directly involved in evangelism and church-planting. Phi1.4:18.
5.A COMMUNITY MINISTRY(0.T.Model-Joseph): Christians are desperately needed in the social and political life of the nation. Your life,testimony and influence could affect community standards for better. Why not be a light house on the hill for Christ ? Gen.41.
6.A LEADERSHIP MINISTRY (N.T. Model-Titus): If you are spiritually mature, be open to consider the service of leading, using your administrative and discerning abilities as Titus did. Tit.1:4,5
7.A CROSS-CULTURAL MINISTRY(N.T. Model-Luke): In various capacities it is possible to reach out to the people of other community and culture as did the Luke being a doctor and a Greek, with Paul. So also is our ministry in Bombay past fifteen years.
8.A REPRESENTATIVE MINISTRY(N.T.Model-Tychicus): By organizing prayer cells, enthusing others for a missionary cause, arranging meetings and hospitality for the visiting speakers you can help stimulate interest and concern for the Lord's work as did Tychicus representing Paul on numerous occasions.
9. A COUNSELLING MINISTRY (N.T.Model-Paul) : Warning and admonishing mean placing the truth in the mind, as Paul says in Colossians 1:28. Committed christians with caring hearts are needed to place the comforting Word of God in the disturbed minds of people for healing and transformation. Make yourself available for people to approach you for sound advise and be willing to listen and share in the sorrows of the suffering. Col. 3:16, Isaiah 40:1, II Cor. 1:3-6.
